Help Stephanie & Her Children Rebuild After Devastating Fire

Hello, my name is Marybeth Hill, and I am setting up this GoFundMe page for my niece, Stephanie Abner (Stephy Jean), and her three wonderful children: Kane, Elijah, and Zella.

Late on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, their lives were tragically changed by a catastrophic electrical fire that destroyed their home and everything inside. My nephew Kane was asleep when the fire broke out. A deep sleeper, he was only alerted to the danger by the frantic cries of his brother's cat, Za. By the time Kane awoke, the house was engulfed in smoke, rendering him nearly blind to his surroundings. Thankfully, he managed to crawl out through the front door and then heroically returned to rescue Za, who was still trapped inside. Unfortunately, their other cat Sally didn’t make it.

Without his phone, Kane sprinted down the street to my other niece, Crystal Abner’s house, in sheer panic, screaming that his house was on fire. Crystal immediately called 911 and then rushed to see if she could salvage anything before the fire trucks arrived. All the while, Stephanie, who was away in New York, stayed on FaceTime, desperately urging Crystal not to risk her safety.

They live on a small part of Canal Road off Wayne-Madison Road in Fairfield Township, OH, an area without fire hydrants. Despite the incredible efforts of over 21 fire trucks from more than six local townships, the house was beyond saving.

Stephanie, a devoted single mother of three, had tried to secure insurance for the house, but due to its location in a flood zone by the Great Miami River, the rates were prohibitively high. Unable to afford the insurance, she now faces the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

Any funds raised will go directly towards providing them with essential items such as clothing, personal products, food, and temporary housing. Further contributions will help demolish the remnants of their old home and begin the rebuilding process.

It is deeply humbling for our proud family to ask for assistance, but we find ourselves in desperate need of support during this crisis. From the bottom of our hearts, the Hill and Abner family thank you for any help you can offer, whether it be a donation, a prayer, or a helping hand during this difficult time. Your generosity means the world to us.

- Marybeth Hill